Abstract Macro Photography: 6 Tips for Gorgeous Abstract Macros

Abstract macro photography might seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. You simply have to approach your macro photos with a certain perspective–and then you’ll be able to take gorgeous abstract macros.

In this article, I’ll share 6 tips for stunning abstract macro photography. You’ll leave with the know-how necessary to take creative macro photos!

Let’s dive right in.

1. Choose Subjects With Simple Shapes for the Most Powerful Abstract Macros

Abstract macro photography is all about showing your subject in a different light.

You don’t show your subject as a thing–instead, you show your subject as a shape, a splash of color, or a line.

But in order to have a compelling macro photo…

…your subject should be clear. It should be easy on the eye. Something that viewers can immediately process.

And the best way to do this is to choose a simple subject–a subject that has a very basic shape.

Personally, I’m a fan of circular subjects. You can find these a lot in flowers.

Roses offer great circular shapes. So do tulips.

Triangles can work, as well. Flower petals can make great triangles.

What’s most important is that your subject be easily identifiable as a shape.

(Note: Your subject doesn’t have to be identifiable as an actual object!)

2. Keep Getting Closer for Stunning Abstract Macro Photography

In abstract macro photography, the less recognizable your subject, the better!

Remember:

You want to portray an object as a shape. You don’t want to show an object as a thing.

The best way to do this?

Get close.

And keep getting closer–until you’ve found that perfect shot!

I often shoot my abstract macros at very high magnifications. Sometimes it can pay to shoot even at true macro (1x) magnification.

But you have to be careful. You never want to lose that nicely shaped subject. So if you get so close that the subject’s shape is no longer apparent, you should probably zoom back out a bit.

You also want to be careful when shooting up close. At high magnifications, you’re going to be far more prone to camera shake.

(I like to use flowers for this technique. They’re a great way to bring in simple shapes and nice colors.)

Then, focus on your subject.

Switch the manual focusing mechanism on, if you haven’t already.

And…

Focus slightly behind your subject.

When you take the shot, you’ll have capture something completely unique. Something wonderfully abstract, but also very beautiful.

Abstract Macro Photography Tips: Conclusion

Hopefully, you now have a sense of how to create gorgeous abstract macro photography.

You know to find a clear subject.

You know to include visual contrast.

And you know some interesting tricks for engaging photos.

All that’s left to do?

Get out and shoot!

Also…

If you want to keep improving your macro photography skills, then you should sign up for my newsletter! I’ll send you lots of tips, tricks, and secrets, all designed to get you capturing gorgeous photos (as fast as possible!)

Jaymes is a nature photographer and photography writer/editor from Ann Arbor, Michigan. His articles have been featured by a number of leading photography publications, including Digital Photography School, Expert Photography, and PetaPixel. To read more about him, click here!